Cervical Cancer Screening

Why should I be screened for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it is in the late stages. Testing can find it early, when it can be treated more effectively. It is important to remember that most cases of early-stage cervical cancer can be cured.

Testing can also identify any abnormal, or dysplastic, cells on the cervix, and those cells can then be removed so that they never turn into cancer.

Thanks to the growing use of the Pap test (also called Pap smear), the number of cases of cervical cancer in the U.S. has been cut in half over the past few decades. About half of all women who have cervical cancer have never had a Pap smear.

What is a Pap test (Pap smear)?

The Pap test involves collecting and examining cells from a woman’s cervix. The test can detect infection, precancerous cells, and cervical cancer.

When should I begin screening for cervical cancer?

In general, screening should begin at age 21. 

How often should I have a Pap test?

If you are over age 30, are not in a high-risk category (see below), and have had three normal Pap tests in a row, you should have a Pap test once every two to three years

If you fall into one of the categories below or have had abnormal Pap test results during the past three years, you should speak with your doctor about how often you should be screened.

Am I at high risk of developing cervical cancer?

Some women have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer, and they should speak with their doctors about how often to have a Pap test. You are in the high-risk group if:

• You have had human papillomavirus (HPV) in the past. HPV infection has been identified as the cause of most cases of cervical cancer in the U.S.
• You have had abnormal Pap smears in the past.
• You have had multiple sexual partners.
• You began to have sex before age 18.
• You have a deficient immune system (for example, if you are HIV-positive).
• Your mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) when she was pregnant with you. DES was a medication prescribed from about 1940-1971 to prevent miscarriage.
• You smoke.

I had a hysterectomy. Do I still need a Pap test?

If you had a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove the entire uterus, including the cervix) because of a medical problem not related to cancer, you can probably discontinue Pap tests, but you will still need regular pelvic exams. Speak with your doctor about this decision.

If your cervix was not removed, you will still need regular Pap tests.

When can older women stop having Pap tests?

Older women can still get cervical cancer. After age 70, you should speak with your doctor about your family’s medical history and any medical conditions you might have that might put you at higher risk for cervical cancer.